As Parliament re-elects President János Áder for a second five year term, commentators disagree on the extent to which he is independent from the government as required by the Fundamental Law. The President marked the occasions with some sharply critical remarks of his own on the state of public affairs. READ MORE

The re-election of János Áder as President of Hungary by the government majority in Parliament prompts conflicting evaluations of his performance as head of state and of the role played by his only opponent, jurist László Majtényi who fought a symbolic battle to make his case as an alternative candidate. READ MORE

A left-wing columnist describes PresidentÁder as unfit for the job and praises opposition candidate László Majtényi. His conservative counterpart on the other hand believes that Mr Áder’s first term has been successful.READ MORE

A liberal pundit believes that Mr Majtényi, despite his credentials as a fierce critic of the government, would not be able to influence the course of events. Other commentators see contradictions on the side of the promoters of Mr Majtényi’s candidacy and in the attitude of the potential candidate himself. READ MORE

A left-wing columnist believes that as the President’s term in office expires next year, both he and the Prime Minister may change their minds and opt for extending his stay in Buda’s Sándor Palace. READ MORE